Hidden Gems: The Art of Getting By and Toast

Well I've been a bit rubbish with posting lately haven’t I?! What with graduating from university (ahh!) and the gloriously sunny weather, I haven’t really been watching that many films. You've got to enjoy the sunny weather whilst it lasts right – especially when you live in England. It’s been hot for nearly two whole weeks now. Who’d have thought it! Anyway, I thought I’d do a quick post about these two little gems that I've watched during the last few weeks.

The Art of Getting By

Year of Release: 2011

Director: Gavin Wiesen

Starring: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts

I caught about 10 minutes of this film while I was on holiday last year. I was flicking through the channels and the sight of seeing Freddie Highmore (the kid from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Finding Neverland) all grown up made me stop. The bit I did see was part way through but it made me want to look up the film when I got home. I finally got round to it and I’m pleased to say it was worth a watch! It’s very much a coming of age story that deals with the struggles of growing up, first loves and about learning how to find your place in the world. The two leads, Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts, are fantastic and show themselves to be growing into great young dramatic actors. It’s a very honest, witty and charming story and a very entertaining watch. If you enjoyed The Perks of Being A Wallflower then I’m sure you will love this.

Favourite bit: George (Freddie Highmore) explaining to his teacher why he hasn't done his homework. Classic.

My rating: 9/10

Toast

Year of Release: 2010

Director: S. J. Clarkson

Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Ken Stott, Freddie Highmore

I have a habit of being drawn to films purely because of the actors starring in it – if there is an actor in it that I like, I will probably end up watching it. In the case of this film, it was Helena Bonham Carter and Freddie Highmore that drew me to it – and I’m glad they did. This film is based on the memoir by British cook and writer Nigel Slater and it follows the story of a boy’s love of food and cooking. Food in this film represents a lot of things – a guilty pleasure, a key to the heart, a way of life, an escape. Food is also an integral part of all the relationships in the film and whilst I realise that the subject of food might not sound like the most riveting story in the world, the film is very absorbing and entertaining. It’s a bittersweet yet charming story that makes an irresistible watch. Literally.

Be warned – this film will make you want to eat Lemon Meringue Pie!

Favourite bit: The battle to make the best dish between Nigel and Mrs Potter.

My rating: 8/10

Get Me To The Movies

I've had quite a busy week so I haven't been watching as many films as I usually would. So, I thought I'd do a little list of brand new releases that I am dying to see! Here are my Top 5 film picks:

1.  The Lone Ranger

I have been excited to see this film since I first heard of its production some 6 months ago. I’m not that familiar with the original series so I’m not really sure what to expect but I have very high expectations. The film is going to be brought to light by Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer - the same team that produced Pirates of the Caribbean. I absolutely adore the Pirates film series so I hope they can work their magic again for this movie. And on the subject of Pirates, the film stars Johnny Depp as Tonto, an American Indian Spirit warrior. I think I mentioned this in a previous post but I am a huge fan of Depp so I did squeal a bit when I found out he was going to be starring in this. The film also stars Armie Hammer (as The Lone Ranger) and Helena Bonham Carter, another one of my absolute faves. It looks set to be an action packed, comedic and exhilarating adventure. I can’t wait. 

Watch the trailer here.

2.  Now You See Me

This is another film that I have been looking forward to seeing for quite a while. I remember watching the trailer and being very impressed and intrigued by the short clip that I saw. It seems to be a film that doesn’t have a typical or predictable plot. The idea of robbing banks live during a magic show and then handing the cash over to a bemused audience doesn’t really strike me as another generic film plot! From the short clip that I have seen, it looks visually stunning with a huge array of special effects. It also has a strong cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Woody Harrelson. I hope this one doesn’t disappoint.  

Watch the trailer here.

3. Stuck In Love

I think this could potentially be one of those films that is either really great or really terrible. I’m hoping it won’t be the latter. I came across this film because it stars Logan Lerman. I’ve seen him in quite a few movies, most notably The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and he has always impressed me. Like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this film looks set to be filled with drama and heartache, but yet it looks to be a genuinely heart-warming story. I love those sorts of films that leave you with a massive smile on your face after watching. I’m hoping this will be one of them.

Watch the trailer here.

4. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

This film isn’t due out for a while yet but I am already excited to see it! I really loved the first movie so I’m hoping this one will be more of the same. Starring Logan Lerman as Percy, this film sees him heading off to the Bermuda triangle with his friends Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) in search of the Golden Fleece in a desperate bid to protect his camp and his people. Packed full of adventure and weird and mysterious creatures, this film is perfect for anyone who loves to delve into the world of the magical and let their imagination run wild. If you’re not the imaginative sort, then this one’s probably not for you.

Watch the trailer here.

5. Man of Steel

I was debating whether or not to include this film in this list as I’m not really a fan of the Superman movies. In fact, I’m not sure if I have seen them all but the ones I have watched left me suitably unimpressed. It did surprise me that I failed to enjoy Superman as I am a fan of superhero films. The Spiderman movies, both new and old, are absolute favourites of mine. I adore them. And Batman isn’t half bad either. So I’m hoping Man of Steel will be the one to ignite my love of Superman. I’ve heard amazing things about this film following its premiere two days ago so I figure it’s worth a watch. Hopefully it will surprise me.

Watch the trailer here.